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Kilims and rugs for interior decoration [Differences from Gabbeh, care methods, and how to incorporate them]
Fabric products are important interior decorations that affect the atmosphere of a room. Even if you want to incorporate a rug to create a more stylish atmosphere, if you are having trouble deciding on the image you want or how to choose it, the first thing to do is to learn about the types of rugs and carpets and their characteristics. Would you like to start with
We will also introduce how to incorporate it into your home and how to care for it after purchase, so please make use of this information.
What types of rugs and carpets are there to add accent to your interior?
Just a rug or carpet can dramatically change the atmosphere of a room. Even if you imagine that you want something like this, when it comes to actually looking for it, if you don't know what it's called, your search will be different, and you might have a hard time finding what you like. is.
There are many types of rugs and carpets in the world, but we will introduce Persian rugs, tribal rugs, Gabbeh and Kilim, and the characteristics of Gabbeh and Kilim.
ラグや絨毯の種類
Rugs and carpets that are effective as accent pieces in a room are basically "relatively thick floor coverings that are large enough to be placed over part of a room, such as under a sofa."
First of all, we will introduce the four main types of rugs and carpets, so please use this as a reference when choosing the perfect one for your room.
◇Persian carpet
These rugs have a long history and are carefully hand-woven one by one in Iran. The materials used include wool, silk, and cotton, and because they are all elaborate, many of them are expensive, and have been valued as symbols of wealth and power since ancient times.
It has often been seen in various places in Japan, so many people may be familiar with it. Its impression is elegant and formal, adding an elegant atmosphere to your room. Not only is it beautiful, but it also has a highly durable and practical aspect, and the more you use it over the years, the more familiar the colors and textures become.
◇Tribal rug
It is a type of fabric that has a piley feel and has a vintage feel and a glossy feel. Tribal means "tribal" in English, and it is mainly handwoven by tribes in West Asia and Southwest Asia.
Depending on which tribe it was woven, it is further divided into three types: Baluch, Shiraz, and Turkmen, and Gabbeh, which I will introduce next, is classified as a member of the Shiraz family. In Japan, it is often seen in select shops and cafes, so it can be said to be an easy type to incorporate into daily life.
◇Gabbeh
These long-shaggy carpets are woven by nomads in southwestern Iran, and their weaving techniques are registered as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is a traditional rug that nomads have used in their daily lives as a way to protect themselves from the cold and heat and live comfortably.
The word ``gabbeh'' means ``rough'' in Persian, and it is characterized by its unique fluffy elasticity (touchability). Free design is also attracting attention as art, and can create a stylish space.
◇Kilim
It is a general term for the ``plain-woven fabrics'' of nomads who live in a wide area of Central Asia. It was born out of the nomadic lifestyle, and it is said that its original form dates back to 3000 BC. Items that are treated as part of one's wealth, such as being passed down from mother to daughter as dowry items, and highly artistic items have extremely high value as antiques in modern times.
Because it is a plain weave, it is extremely durable, and since it has no pile and is thin and easy to use, it is useful not only as a rug but also as a decorative item for wall hangings, sofas, etc. Originally, there was no fixed size, and it was often woven to suit the purpose, so it can be used in a wide range of ways depending on your ideas. The bright design will accent your interior, so try incorporating it as a rug first.
Difference with Gabbeh
You may be familiar with Persian carpets and tribal rugs, but do you find it difficult to tell the difference between Gabbeh and Kilim?
We are sure that you will be able to further feel the differences and charms of each product through the three items we will introduce: production area, tradition, design, and weaving method.
◇Production area
Gabbeh, woven by the nomadic Qashqai tribe, is produced around Shiraz, Iran. The Qashgai people live in the Fars, Khuzestan, and southern Isfahan regions of southwestern Iran, and are often seen around Shiraz, which is also where Gabbeh is produced.
On the other hand, kilims are produced over a wide range from Central Asia to North Africa. Specifically, it is divided into six regions: Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and North Africa.
◇How to weave
Gabbehs are made by tying the weft to the warp once and then cutting the remaining weft, which gives them a thick pile. Depending on the fineness of the weave, they are generally over 1cm thick, with some even being over 3cm thick. In contrast, flat-woven kilims are made by repeatedly tying the weft to the warp and then tying the remaining weft to the adjacent warp, and are basically finished with a loop knot.
This results in a thin finish with no pile, typically between 1mm and 5mm thick, depending on the yarn used. There is also a technique called slit weaving, which is characterized by the gaps (slits) that appear when changing colors, and the appearance of the slits varies depending on the place of origin.
◇Tradition and design
Gabbeh rugs do not have traditional designs, and weavers improvise by imagining the design themselves. Motifs based on nature are common, and new patterns are constantly being created through free imagination.
On the other hand, the motifs of kilims have a long tradition, and each region has its own unique design characteristics. Each production region has a traditional design, and the bright colors and exotic atmosphere are attractive.
Gabbeh has been used by nomadic tribes in their daily lives by laying it directly on the ground, so it has excellent heat retention properties. It has a short history as a commercial building, and there are few old or antique elements. Kilims, on the other hand, are highly durable and have been used as wedding tools since ancient times, and have a wealth of value. In addition, highly artistic "traditional textiles" are highly rated in the old and antique markets, and are passed down among enthusiasts and collectors.
For those who want to incorporate a traditional element into their lives and create a more stylish space, I definitely recommend kilims.
Add a vintage presence to your living room or other places
Once you know the type of rug, the next step is to think about where you want to place it. Following the previous flow, I would like to focus on choosing a kilim. Of course it goes well with the furniture and interior you already have, but by thinking about how you want to incorporate the kilim, you should be able to get a clear idea of the color and size you are looking for.
Which one do you recommend?
◇Entrance
The entrance is the first thing you see when you enter your home, and it is also the place that determines your impression of the home. If you place a kilim as an entrance mat and choose other interior decorations that match the color and pattern of the kilim, you will create a sense of unity. It's a place you pass by every day, so why not brighten your mood with bright colors?
When welcoming guests, please try to broaden the conversation by focusing on the charm of kilims. Kilims are also known for their bright colors and exotic atmosphere, so it is recommended that you change the color to match the season or your mood.
◇Living room
In the living room, which is the face of a home, the vintage presence of kilims stands out even more. Kilims, which are standard dyed with plants, go well with houseplants and add a lively atmosphere to even simple rooms.
The living room is a relaxing space and is where many people spend a long time during the day. Kilim gives off a presence regardless of the color of the floor, so it is sure to be useful as an interior decoration that adds an accent to your space.
◇Bedroom
Because it's a private space, you want to have a timeless interior. Kilims are also effective in bedrooms where you want to spend a relaxing time. The warmth that comes from hand-woven fabrics will help you relax.
Some people prefer beds and others prefer futons, but kilims match both flooring and tatami mats, so all you have to do is choose your favorite color and size. Kilims have a thin finish with little pile, so they can be cared for at home. For those who want to use bedroom rugs hygienically, we will also introduce how to care for them.
How to care
絨毯や厚手のラグだと、自宅での洗濯ではなくクリーニングを利用するという方が多いかもしれません。頻繁にクリーニングに出せないから、衛生面で少し気になる…と思って絨毯やラグを置かないようにしている方にも、自宅でもお手入れできるキリムをおすすめします。
まずは、毎日のお手入れから。お部屋掃除のタイミングで、掃除機でホコリなどを吸い取るだけで十分です。キリムは湿気を嫌うので、天気の良い日には外に干すことをおすすめします。
その際、布団叩きなどがあれば、叩いて繊維に入り込んだ細かい汚れを落としてあげると良いです。薄いので重すぎず扱いやすいため、ご自宅の物干しでも大丈夫です。天気が悪くて外に干せない時は、キリムをめくってフローリングとキリムとの間に風を通してあげることで、湿気を飛ばすことができます。
If you spill a colored drink, such as coffee, immediately wipe it off and then put salt on top to absorb the water. Then remove the absorbed salt with a dry cloth, tap the kilim with a wet cloth, and then press it with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.
Next, how to wash your kilim. To prevent color fading, be sure to wash with cold water instead of hot water. If you use wool detergent or neutral detergent, the color may fade, so if you have to use detergent, it is best to use a special detergent. However, washing with water is sufficient without using any detergent, so please remember to wash with water during regular maintenance.
You can wash it in the washing machine, but if you want to take care of it carefully so it doesn't lose its shape, try spreading the kilim in your bathroom and then scrubbing it with a brush. Hang it to dry in the correct shape, drain the water naturally, and wait for it to dry naturally. If you lightly dehydrate it in the washing machine, please fold it and put it in a net to prevent it from losing its shape.
Also, dry cleaning using chemicals is not recommended as it may damage or discolor the kilim fabric. If you would like to have a cleaning done, please contact us to discuss the possibility of renting out a replacement kilim during the cleaning period.
Sultan offers suggestions for those who want to make their room more stylish.
What do you think? Do you have a concrete idea of the rug or carpet you want?
We introduced the appeal of kilim to those who want to create a more stylish space by incorporating some traditional element into their daily lives.
If you're wondering, "Where should I choose a kilim?", please take a look at Sultan. At Sultan, together with our Turkish partner who has a "certain aesthetic eye" for dealing with antique kilims and carpets for generations, we introduce kilims and carpets that will decorate your room.
We regularly visit Japan and exhibit at THE JAPANTIQUE SHOW (art and antiques show) held every year at a hotel in Tokyo, as well as holding private exhibitions across the country. *Depending on your request, we can connect you with Turkey online and introduce you to your desired kilim.
We also offer custom-made items, so please feel free to contact us regarding the design, size, material, feel, budget, etc. that suit your room.
Click here for trivia about kilims
Sultan is the place to buy interior goods such as kilim rugs.
Company Name
HARAK LLC
Shop name
Sultan
Name of the General Manager
Kanako Hara
Address
3-26-10 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0002
telephone number
email address
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*Advance reservations will be required from August 2023 onwards.
Or please contact us at 090-7238-1152.